Pennsylvania Prospect News and Notes

Below are a few news and notes regarding lacrosse prospects from Pennsylvania.    Pierson is an athletic, shifty, and highly skilled midfield prospect who recently committed to Vassar College. As an initiator, Pierson excels at using quick cuts to separate from his defender, then charging to the net for goals on the run. His ability to dodge going left or right and then change directions multiple times makes Pierson extremely difficult to defend 1v1. Additionally, Pierson can rip long-range sidearms into the net from multiple angles. The coaching staff at Vassar will love Pierson's ability to shoot/pass with both hands. Off-ball, Pierson is a master at using timely cuts and dives to produce scoring chances. Pierson played outstanding lacrosse on the 2026 summer circuit, so we are expecting a monster senior campaign from him next spring.     Smith is an electric 2028 offensive prospect who this summer transferred from Taft School (Con.) to the Haverford School. With his speed, change of direction moves, and nifty stick maneuvers, Smith thrives in unsettled action. In 6v6 play, Smith can initiate from anywhere on the field, blow past his defender, and then shoot or distribute on the run. Smith is especially dangerous when he operates from X. Behind the net, Smith's explosive first step and cut-back skills enable him to cook his man and then streak around the corner for a goal in close. Smith's ability to slip between sliding defenders and get to the front of the cage is impressive. His inside roll move is a thing of beauty too. When he dodges from the wing, Smith has demonstrated that he can execute a hitch move, then dip underneath his defender for a charge to the net.     During the 2026 high school season, this Notre Dame signee was an All-State midfielder who helped push La Salle to a PIAA 3A state title. For an encore, Van Bastelaar recently earned a spot on the USA U19 National Team. Van Bastelaar is a true two-way midfielder who can impact every facet of the game. In settled offense, Van Bastelaar can dodge from up top, explode down the alley, and then crank a shot into the net while running full speed. Or he can get downhill from up top, then put his foot in the ground, execute a spin to the inside, and then fire one past the goalie. Defensively, the combination of Van Bastelaar's athleticism and smooth lateral movements makes him a suffocating on-ball presence. His speed, polished stick skills, and field vision allow him to swiftly turn defensive stops into fast break opportunities. One intangible that really pops with Van Bastelaar is his composure in big moments.     The Springfield program has an impressive history of sending face-off specialists to play at the college level. Earlier this month, Wagner became the latest prospect to continue that tradition as he committed to D3 powerhouse York College. Wagner is an athletic, fleet-footed, and technically sound FOGO who can dominate a game via his clean wins. Once Wagner has possession, his remarkable foot speed makes him difficult to track down. When he gets below the restraining line, Wagner's fantastic shooting skills make him a legitimate threat to score. But Wagner owns a great feel for when to dish to a teammate for an assist. Either way, Wagner will not force an ill-advised transition opportunity because this high-IQ FOGO values possession too. Additionally, the York coaching staff will appreciate the way Wagner mixes up his exit strategies to keep his opponent off balance. On defensive exits, Wagner's ability to pivot and then use his positioning skills to hold off his opponent until he secures possession is impressive.     Weber is a multi-sport athlete who is also a standout linebacker on the gridiron. On the lacrosse field, Weber is a high-level face-off specialist who was recently selected for the USA U17 National Team. At the face-off dot, Weber's football background allows him to frequently overpower opponents with his physicality and then secure possession. That football mentality also helps Weber relentlessly pursue loose balls and then vacuum up the GB in a crowd. Of course, the trifecta of Weber's anticipation skills, fast hands, and polished technique produce a high percentage of clean wins. On those pick-n-pop wins, Weber will explode away from the face-off area and then sprint through significant contact as he charges into the offensive end. Weber's ability to play with both hands and his field vision make him a threat to shoot or distribute on those fast breaks. This summer, Weber also won the 2029 division at the Faceoff Factory Summit event.

Below are a few news and notes regarding lacrosse prospects from Pennsylvania.